Did any of Jerusha’s surviving children or descendants become well-known in later life-were any apostles, etc.?

Elia

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Elia,

How gracious of you to call attention to Jerusha’s descendants. If I made a list of Hyrum’s descendants serving in the Church, I think most young people would recognize Mary Fielding’s heirs while struggling to recall Jerusha’s. Mary Fielding Smith’s oldest child was Joseph F Smith (the ‘F’ stands for Fielding) who later was called to be an apostle and serve as President from 1901 to 1918. Joseph F Smith had two sons that were also called to be apostles (Hyrum M Smith – son of Edna Lambson; and Joseph Fielding Smith – son of Julina Lambson), as well as another son who served in the Presiding Bishopric from 1907 to 1938 (David A Smith). Joseph Fielding Smith served as President of the Church from 1970 to 1972. And of course I must mention Elder M Russell Ballard who is currently serving in the Quorum of the Twelve (son of Geraldine Smith, who is the daughter of the aforementioned Hyrum M Smith).

Jerusha Barden’s progeny have served prominently and faithfully as Presiding Patriarchs in the Church. You may recall the Joseph Smith Sr. was the first ordained Patriarch in this dispensation. He made it clear that the office of Presiding Patriarch followed a lineal succession, and Hyrum should be ordained to that office when Joseph Sr. died. His instructions were followed precisely, but when Hyrum was martyred some chaos ensued. For almost a year the office was left vacant before Hyrum’s younger brother, William Smith, was ordained. William soon left the Church, and the office was again vacant for another 4 years. Finally John Smith, Joseph Sr.’s brother, was called. He served and was succeeded by another John Smith – this one the son of Hyrum and Jerusha. At his death in 1911, his grandson, Hyrum G Smith was called in his stead. In 1947, the latest in the line of patriarchs answered the call. Eldred G Smith is the son of Hyrum G Smith. From 1979 to the present day, he has served as Patriarch emeritus, relieved of any former duties he had.

-Gramps